Presentation Case outside finish? Gloss? Semi Gloss?

[RogerA]

What is the proper final finish for the outside of a presentation case? Gloss? Semi Gloss? Poly? Enamel? Lacquer? Thanks!

 

[Model52guy]

I use Tung oil. Usually 5 or 6 coats. Formby’s did make a ‘gloss’ finish Tung oil I would use for the final coat.

 

[Vtgw938]

Second vote for tung oil, but I use Min-wax Tung Oil Finish and I'm not sure there is actually any tung oil it it. Duplicates early S&W grip finish as well. Many hand buffed light coats to obtain the luster you want. Follow directions, don't let it sit and dry completely without buffing.

They didn't have a shiny gloss finish so the oil finish looks right. Tru-Oil would probably work also, but the Min-wax to me just seems like a better hand rubbed finish. It does take longer to build up a luster though.

 

[reddogs]

Mine didn't have any gloss at all but was 20 years old when i got it.Refinished with minwax antique oil and rubbed with 0000 steel wool between coat's.I think it looks like the one's i have seen that aren't obviously refinished but original.But not positive on original there are guy's on this forum with a couple dozen presentation cases nib.

 

[Rule3]

I would use Tru Oil. It is so easy to work with and you can control the finish. I do not think the cases have a gloss finish That would be to in you face. A semi or satin maybe. Here is mine

 

[2152hq]

I'm guessing, but in a factory/production setting the wood was likely finished with a spray finish of either lacquer or other fast drying finish.

Maybe a quick going over with a fine scotchbrite pad inbetw coats to remove any imperfections,,maybe.
But then just another spray coating and done.

A semi gloss or satin probably. It hides sanding lines and imperfections better than a gloss finish

 

[RogerA]

I'm guessing, but in a factory/production setting the wood was likely finished with a spray finish of either lacquer or other fast drying finish.

Maybe a quick going over with a fine scotchbrite pad inbetw coats to remove any imperfections,,maybe.
But then just another spray coating and done.

A semi gloss or satin probably. It hides sanding lines and imperfections better than a gloss finish

I agree. The S&W factory did not waste any time getting those cases out the door. A quick spray lacquer finish of one or at most two quick coats, a quick trip through a drying oven, and hammer on the hinges and latch. Call it done.